You might think that hotel rankings are done and don’t merit much attention. But with promotional efforts and partnerships with websites, how do you know if the list you’re reading is truly telling you the best hotels out there? Jetsetter.com compiled their list of The World’s Best Hotels by surveying their global correspondents in a myriad of categories including the expected (family friendly, all inclusive) to the unexpected (best looking guests, safari lodge). Clara joins the show to share highlights from the survey, insights, and more.

Coming Summer 2017 is a high speed rail connecting Central and South Florida. The first phase of the Brightline railway will connect Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Brightlineestimates travel from Miami and Fort Lauderdale in 30 minutes, and Miami to West Palm Beach in 60 minutes. Phase two plans to extend the route to Orlando. With around 20 million people living in Florida and 100 million tourists a year, this presents an alternate way for people to see the state and lessens the number of cars on the roadway.

Shane Dallas from The Travel Camel visits to share what he sees as travel trends to look for this year. In a recent trip to Utrecht in the Netherlands, Shane share the city’s draw with their beautiful canals and classic European feel. As the keynote speaker at a travel conference in the city, Shane shares what he learned from both customer and industry insiders, including recent trends of international travel to the United States.

Known as one of the cradles of civilization, Iran is a destination rich in history and amenities, but cloaked in misconceptions. In this episode, Steve Kutay from IranLuxuryTravel.com visits to talk about the historic locations, ski resorts, and more, while tackling some of these misconceptions. While many Americans assume travel is restricted, you only need a simple visa. Steve also talks about safety and the history of where these misconceptions arose.

When planning travel, especially international travel, it’s always best to have an idea of what the current state of international travel is around the world. Greg Geronemus from smarTours gives an update regarding travel to Cuba (which since the podcast was recorded, embargo travel restrictions have changed), Japan, Africa, and Europe, as well as deals, the strength of the U.S. dollar, and more.

Anne Banas, Executive Editor of Smarter Travel shares her love of honey with Paul and Elizabeth. It’s true that luxury hotels and even Notre Dame have bee hives on the roof. Not only do the bees provide honey for the kitchens but the establishments are doing their part to preserve and protect honey bees. They also talk about how to take advantage of some little known tricks to get the most out of your next flight.

Bruce Palmer joins Paul and Elizabeth to talk about outdoor survival skills and the lessons to be learned from the outdoors. National Outdoor Leadership School classes range from two weeks to a full academic year. Classes are attended by a diverse cross section of students. The minimum age is 14 and there have been students in their seventies. You do learn outdoor survival skills but the impact of the classes offer far more. Students come away with greater self-knowledge as well as an assurance that they can achieve more than they ever felt they could. And NOLS offers classes around the world. NOLS operates in some of the most incredible locations on Earth.

http://www.ontravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/logo.png00Paulhttp://www.ontravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/logo.pngPaul2013-02-14 17:11:542013-02-14 17:11:54Learn To Live In The Outdoors With NOLS

Stacey Sun joins Paul to talk about LA’s Restaurant week promotion which provides special prices on meals at some of LA’s hottest restaurants and some of the hottest chefs around. Check out dineLA.

Los Angeles has one of the most dynamic dining scenes in the country, offering everything from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. From California cuisine to organic ingredients, food trucks, and Restaurant Week (January 21 – February 1, 2013), LA’s culinary influence can be felt across the country. Foodies can experience the fine dining of Wolfgang Puck, Thomas Keller and Nobu Matsuhisa, as well as a new generation of culinary stars like Kogi BBQ Truck founder Roy Choi, Top Chef champion Michael Voltaggio, and Ricardo Zarate, named Food & Wine’s Best New Chef in America. Global kitchens can be found in culinary neighborhoods across the city, while LA’s beach cities offer some of the best oceanfront dining in Southern California.

Rick Calvert joins Elizabeth to talk about the opportunities to network and learn at New Media Expo in Las Vegas in January 6 to 8. Featuring internationally famed experts in the fields of blogging, video and podcasting it’s a weekend in January that is a must for any one interested in the future of internet communications. It’s a weekend filled with tracks for most forms of new media and talks by experts who define the very world of internet communications. Regular guest on Traveling and uber-travel blogger Gary Arndt will be speaking along with Spud Hilton who has created on online presence from his role in newspapers and travel. Check out the website for the latest lineup. Also active and retired military personnel are offerred complimentary admission.

Martine Pasquet talks with Paul about a unique program at Royal Caribbean for interns who are considering careers in the hospitality industry. These interns in the Future Leaders Program work both in the corporate headquarters and on the ships. The program is a success and several have begun careers at the line after completing their education. It’s a chance to work in a growing part of the travel industry in positions from engineering to hotel management. Martine talks with Paul about the qualities they look for in future leaders and how these interns have a chance to work in many phases of the corporation including on the ships. Martine joined Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in 2001 and has been with the company more than ten years now. Her background reflects the level of creative thinking in the company so while she is the Director for Corporate Human Resources, she is a graduate of Florida International University with a bachelors degree in English Literature. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in International Affairs from the Center of Advanced International Studies at the University of Miami.

Meet Paul & Elizabeth

Travel journalists Paul Lasley and Elizabeth Harryman show you how to enrich your travel experience. Listen to their radio shows, which air daily to 2.5 million listeners in 180 countries on the American Forces Radio Network.Read More >

Travel journalists Paul Lasley and Elizabeth Harryman are married and reach an audience of several million people each month as they write and broadcast in a variety of formats. They have covered travel for network television including NBC’s Today Show and local TV such as KTLA 5 in Los Angeles.